The college basketball season is here, which means so is the season of constant evaluations of these players about their potential for the future. When I do these evaluations, the goal isn’t just to talk about how these players can dominate the NBA in the future. No. The goal of these evaluations (which will be posted more and more often in my first full season with SLAMonline) is to discuss what makes these players unique and why they will even be in the conversation when all the “draft guru’s” begin discussing them. It is important not to judge a player by one game, but there are certain things that you can pull out of each particular performance. The following evaluations took place from midnight on Monday night until about 1 am on Wednesday morning. Needless to say, the action was jam-packed.

Perry Jones, Freshman, Baylor University: Mid-range jumpers from the elbow, skillful catches in transition for easy lay-ins (after running the floor hard), and timely blocks on the defensive end are some of the ways he effects the game. Most of it doesn’t even come in the box score yet, but in time it should come in much larger quantities than the 12-point, 11-rebound, 4-block double-double. The things that impressed me the most about watching the immensely gifted, 6-11 Jones in just his second game were the pride and focus that he played with, in just his second game. I liked his body language throughout the contest and the fact that he didn’t force his offense, even though he shot 6-14. The makes, boards, and blocks will come—right now he just needs to focus on getting to the right spots on the floor at the right times. The rest should follow suit for Jones.

Shelvin Mack, Junior, Butler University: He is a 6-1 point guard that flat out makes his team better by doing everything on the court. He is more than capable of setting up his teammates, but for this Butler team he will be relied upon to carry the scoring load against better teams more so than he did in previous years. He set his teammates up for success early on, but his teammates weren’t knocking down shots. In the first half Mack scored 17 points on 5-11 shooting with 5 rebounds and an assist, which accounted for all but 4 of Butler’s 23 first half points. He finished with 25 points on 8-17 shooting, and his Butler team was overmatched in its first test of the season.

Kenny Boynton, Sophomore, University of Florida: A 6-2 guard with a score-first mentality, Boynton can fill it up with a diverse combination of mid-range shots, getting to the rim, and a newly improved three-point shot. His freshly enhanced jumper would be greatly aided by increased consistency shooting the ball and an upgraded ability to make plays for his teammates, as far as the NBA is concerned, but Boynton is a special scorer who is more than worth tracking for NBA GM’s.

Chandler Parsons, Junior, University of Florida: With excellent size and the ability to handle the basketball with a steady ease, Parsons can make things on the floor happen in a (much talked about) Kyle Singler-esque way, without as consistent of a jumper—both mid-range and from three (a BIG difference). His maturity is nice to see—he doesn’t press the issue and swings the ball at the right time, but can score enough to keep the defense honest to his diverse scoring arsenal and passing abilities. Still, though, Florida could have used a more aggressive Parsons last night against Ohio State.

Scoop Jardine, Sophomore, Syracuse University: In a game that many didn’t expect to be as tight as it was, Scoop simply took the game over from start to finish for his team, and it needed him to do so badly. In some cases the numbers don’t tell the story, but this masterpiece by the versatile and maturing guard captures the show quite well: 27 points on 11-18 shooting (4 treys), 8 assists, 5 steals, 1 block and 3 turnovers. Jardine didn’t have the most consistent year last year, but look for him to take matters into his hands a bit more this season for an Orange team in need of a leader.

Jared Sullinger, Freshman, Ohio State University: The big-bodied power forward has amazing hands and will give you bruises when going up for the basketball on a rebound or a loose ball. When he gets the ball in the post he is composed with the basketball, extremely steady/balanced, can put the ball up over both shoulders, and is decisive—in the sense he that reads the defense and reacts to the situation accordingly. Sullinger is the biggest reason that Ohio State will be a factor to win a championship this season because he gives them a go-to option on the inside and an extremely solid defender on the inside. I was always impressed whenever I watched him in high school, and watching him last night against the senior laden Florida squad that has National Championship aspirations. Talk about convincing the scouts early… (Note: Sullinger had 6 dunks and a few other lay-ins.)

Last night, at the conclusion of the Reebok All-American Camp at Philadelphia University, I realized a few things. First, what I was preaching to anybody who would listen last summer was true: 2007 spoiled us. That class (the Beasley, Rose, Love crew) was special, from top to bottom. The class of ’08 had some true superstars and some nice depth after that, and while it didn’t compare to ’07 overall, it was a solid class. 2009, however, is a different story. There are some very good players, but most of the consensus top 10 prospects wouldn’t have come close to making the McDonald’s game if they were a year ahead.

That said, the top of the class is very intriguing to me. For the most part, it’s been somewhat static since these kids were freshmen. Yeah, a couple kids have skyrocketed high in the rankings and others have fallen off dramatically, but many of the big names have been talked about in grassroots circles for a minute. Now, the class of 2010 is a little more wide-open, but that has more to do with the lack of players who have asserted their dominance than the deal with ’09, where the rulers haven’t been knocked off their thrones.

This brings me back to Reebok. There weren’t enough truly elite prospects in Philly this week to say there was even a chance for major upheaval in the world of high school hoops, but there certainly was a big enough contingent of pretty anonymous (at least previously) kids that somebody could make a name for themselves and somebody else could be easily labeled as overrated. Below are a few of the players with national reps that didn’t lose face this week:

Kenny Boynton, 6-2 combo guard, American Heritage (FL), 2009: It’s not even debatable who the best guard in the camp was in terms of consistentcy and production, as Boynton flamed each and every player he faced with his arsenal of killer crossovers, strong athleticism, outstanding range and terrific competitiveness, not to mention his smothering D.

Junior Cadougan, 6-0 point guard, Christian Life (TX), 2009: The Canadian floor general just gets it done–he uses his strength to bully smaller guards, finishes determinedly in the paint and keeps them honest from the outside, but most importantly, he wins.

Karron Johnson, 6-7 post, Mt. Zion (NC), 2009: Johnson is definitely a post player–not a wing, although dribbling and outside shooting have gotten better–because his physicality, athleticism around the rim and dominance on the boards make him much more effective than he is on the perimeter.

Kevin Parrom, 6-5 wing, South Kent (CT), 2009: Parrom, who some touted as the second-best player in New York (after LanceStephenson) after his junior season (Parrom recently left St. Raymond’s in the Bronx for prep school), showed that with his improved shooting and ballhandling he’s now a true wing, but maintained his inside game and work on the glass.

Michael Snaer, 6-5 wing, Rancho Verde (CA), 2009: Snaer’s usually reliable J was a bit inconsistent, but his relentless aggressiveness, playmaking ability, rebounding from the perimeter and intense D more than made up for it.

Brennan Cougill, 6-9 post, Heelan (IA), 2009: Cougill’s rugged post moves, soft hands, nice touch, ferocity on the boards and wide frame were all impressive, but the fact that he knew his limitations was even better.

Mike Shaw, 6-8 combo forward, De La Salle (IL), 2011: The precocious youngster played on one of the most unselfish teams in camp (well coached by Philly’s own Ellis “Chuck” Gindraw), but even without the benefit of constant touches it was hard to ignore Shaw’s versatility, high skill level, impressive frame and somewhat polished inside-outside game.

Jayvaughn Pinkston, 6-6 combo forward, Loughlin (NY), 2010: Possibly overly hyped when he was younger, some have cooled on Pinkston’s game because he hasn’t grown much, but the widebody’s physical nature and unique mix of quickness, post-up ability and off-the-bounce game make him a matchup headache.

Sherrod Wright, 6-4 wing, Mount Vernon (NY), 2009: The next in line at Money Earnin’ has been patiently waiting his turn and judging from his strong drives, nice stroke and solid athleticism, he’s ready to take his place in his school’s lineage of stars.

Richard Howell, 6-7 post, Wheeler (GA), 2009: While Howell wasn’t perfect, my perception of him changed as he didn’t attempt to be a full-fledged wing; rather, he’s a work-in-progress as a face-up post who can pass, handle and shoot effectively from 15 feet and in, while also providing a physical presence on the boards and in the paint.

Pe’Shon Howard, 6-1 combo guard, Oak Hill (VA), 2010: By playing on a national stage during the high school season, many are already familiar enough with Howard’s game to list his shortcomings, but he showed progress in becoming more of a point guard, largely made an effort on D and while his shot selection wasn’t the best, his persistence was admirable.

Brandon Triche, 6-4 wing, Jamesville Dewitt (NY), 2009: Triche (son of ex-Syracuse baller Howard; DC/Seikaly/Sherman era) started out his high school career as one of the more touted players in his class and while missing action on the AAU/camp circuit due to injury might have taken away some of his luster, he showed at Reebok that he was a solid all-around wing by rebounding, playing tough D, finishing strong and hitting open jumpers.

Taking into consideration that there were about 160 kids at the camp and there were competing events running at approximately the same time, it was a great opportunity for lesser-known players to get some shine. Some of those included:

Givon Crump, 6-7 combo forward, Brewster (NH), 2009: A shooter with good size and decent athleticism, Crump consistently hit jumpers throughout the camp, but also finished well, rebounded and played tough D.

Sam Dower, 6-9 post, Osseo (MN), 2009: As solid as they come, Dower’s post moves, short jumper and rebounding made him one of the more effective post players at the camp.

Rahlir Jefferson, 6-6 wing, Chester (PA), 2009: I’ve known Rahlir for a couple years now and while he’s a great kid, I wouldn’t play myself by writing his name if he didn’t show off his ridiculous athleticism, terrific motor, defensive stopper potential and unselfishness.

TyroneGarland, 6-0 combo guard, Bartram (PA), 2010: A classic Philly scorer, Garland’s smooth yet aggressive mentality was effective, as he drove into the lane and knocked down shots off the dribble, as well as showing good point-guard instincts as a distributor.

Matthew Staff, 6-9 post, Memorial (TX), 2009: A face-up four man, the mobile Staff was excellent in the pick-and-pop from deep, but also contributed on the boards and showed a high skill level.

Timothy Frazier, 6-0 point guard, Strake Jesuit (TX), 2009: Frazier, one of the quicker players in attendance and used his frenetic stop-and-go game to penetrate and drop dimes, apply defensive pressure and get his own offense going when necessary.

Dundrecous Nelson, 6-1 combo guard, Murrah (MS), 2010: Nelson’s ability to get to the rack and finish among the trees, start fast breaks with his defense and use his athleticism to help out on the glass all stood out, but tremendous motor was the hallmark of his game

Jared Harrison, 6-0 point guard, Salmen (LA): Hailing from new Knick Chris Duhon’s alma mater, Harrison was one of the better point guards in attendance, as he played tough D, distributed the rock, finished at the rim and rained in jumpers from both mid-range and deep.

Jerian Grant, 6-4 wing, DeMatha (MD), 2010: Son of former NBA player Harvey (Horace’s twin), Grant should follow in his older brother’s footsteps as a high-major recruit (Jerai will be a sophomore at Clemson), due to his length, solid ball skills, excellent fundamentals, nice outside touch and surprising explosiveness.

Patric Young, 6-8 post, Paxon (FL), 2010: Powerful and athletic, Young immediately passed the “look test” of a future big-time recruit, but he also backed it up with an outstanding motor, defensive presence, a thirst for rebounding and determined (and sometimes dynamic) finishing on offense.

Shaquille Thomas, 6-6 wing, Paterson Catholic (NJ), 2010: The nephew of Tim and little brother of New York Liberty rookie (and slamonline.com blogger) Essence Carson, Shaq’s game is worthy of his bloodlines, as the slender and athletic youngster is skilled, versatile and fearless on drives.

Dexter Fields, 6-2 wing, Olympia (FL), 2009: An aggressive, if undersized wing (at least in college, although he does have the strength for that level already), Fields was always making plays–from tough drives to the rack, to hustle plays on D.

Ironically, in a camp oriented toward individual talent, a team without a huge national name (although they had several high-major recruits) won the unofficial camp championship. As always, the camp concluded with the all-star games, which was cool as far as entertainment, but would have appalled basketball purists. The co-MVPs of the underclassmen game were Wayne Blackshear (a 6-5 wing from Chicago’s Curie High School in the class of 2011) and Ashton Pankey (a 6-8 post from Jersey’s St. Anthony’s in the class of 2010), while the aforementioned Boynton won honors in the main game.

Another story at the camp was Aaric Murray’s coming-out party. The Philly native capped a week where he continually flashed potential (albeit raw) with a 16-point, 6-rebound performance in the all-star game that only increased the buzz he had already created for himself.

All in all, the camp was solid, if only for creating a platform where relatively unknowns like Murray could showcase their talents on the big stage. It didn’t have the star power of LeBron, but I guarantee at least a handful of kids there–who didn’t come into the camp highly touted–will become a household name on the next level and maybe beyond. Whether I recognized it or not is a different story. Still, the performances of players like Boynton, his backcourt mate Brandon Knight, a more motivated Renardo Sidney and Washington duo Abdul Gaddy and Avery Bradley show even the hunted understand it’s kill or be killed in this business.

Brandon Jennings was at the camp last night. He wasn’t talking about his recent decision (believe me, I tried), but it was good see him (now that’s a killer on the court) looking happy amongst his former peers. I have a lot to say (and write; maybe now–maybe never) about him going to Europe, but for now I’ll just say I agree with it.

Also, Jason Terry was at the camp, too. He’s acquainted with top Seattle guard prospects Bradley and Gaddy (who committed and subsequently de-committed from Arizona, Jet’s alma mater, this spring) and could often be found sitting on the bench, really getting into the game. Good to see, as well. Watch out for the Mavs and his new signature sneaks.